The Full Story
Why this film?
Seeds for Liberation was born out of a deep urgency — not just to document, but to connect. The events of October 7, 2023, became a global flashpoint, but for many, they marked a continuation of a struggle nearly eight decades in the making. As a filmmaker, Director Matthew Solomon wanted to center Palestinian voices while also situating their liberation within a broader legacy of anti-imperialist and decolonial movements — from Black resistance in the U.S. to Chicano activism and beyond. In a world saturated with filtered narratives and state-sponsored erasure, social media has cracked open a window — giving us raw, direct access to the truths on the ground. This film asks: What does solidarity truly look like? And how do our struggles for justice — across geography, race, and history — grow from the same seed?
Film Synopsis
"Seeds for Liberation" explores Palestinian resistance through emotional and impactful interviews with historians, activists, and experts. The film shows how social media has exposed daily life in Gaza and the West Bank, challenging dominant Western narratives. It highlights a transnational, anti-imperialist struggle rooted in solidarity and collective justice.
In this new documentary from Director Matthew Solomon and Executive Producer Donna Hadjikhani of “Reimagining Safety,” joined by Executive Producer Alana Hadid, experts discuss the impact of Palestine’s 77-year occupation by Israeli forces, the role social media has played in mobilizing global support, and provide a roadmap for collective liberation.
The film includes impactful and emotional interviews with legal scholars, activists, and members of The Black Liberation Army, La Raza Unida, and the Stop Cop City movement who illustrate the effects of Israeli and U.S. imperialism and colonialism, what “Free Palestine” means, and how it can be achieved.
Behind the Film
Matthew Solomon
Director
Solomon is an innovative and award-winning director whose interview and storytelling styles elicit deep, emotional responses while educating and inspiring audiences. His previous documentary, “Reimagining Safety,” built an enormous grassroots following, having been screened at more than 100 community events across the country. Utilizing iPhone cameras to achieve a great sense of immediacy, Matthew not only combines art and activism in his personal work but also mentors up-and-comers in doing the same.
Donna Hadjikhani
Executive Producer
Hadjikhani is an Iranian American, an elite interior designer, and a passionate advocate for social justice. Inspired by an early cut of childhood friend Matthew Solomon's “Reimagining Safety,” she invested resources in order to ensure the film was seen by as many people as possible. Seeing firsthand what the conditions were like in Gaza and the West Bank as a 20-year-old college student in 1993 during the First Intifada, Donna’s involvement in this project was a must.
Alana Hadid
Executive Producer
Hadid is a creative activist and storyteller committed to justice and representation. Her activism bridges culture and advocacy, using art and media to amplify marginalized voices. She was most recently the creative director for Watermelon Pictures, a film production and distribution company focused on changing the narrative around Palestine and amplifying under-represented voices. During her time at Watermelon Pictures, she also hosted The Seeds, a podcast that explored the lives of influential people who are sewing the seeds for a new world, and for collective liberation. Hadid is also the co-author of two forthcoming books centered on Palestinian identity and history.